Pain Relief During Childbirth - Gas and Air (Entonox)
Also known as Entonox, Gas and Air is perhaps the most widely used form of pain relief during childbirth. Whilst it doesn't promise full relief from labor pains, it can help mothers' cope with the pain by lifting them out of it a little.
However, whilst many women find Gas and Air wonderfully soothing and relaxing, a lot of mothers-to-be find it causes extreme light-headedness and even nausea.
When using Gas and Air it is important to inhale deeply at the beginning of each contraction and to continue inhaling it during the contraction. Once the contraction has passed or eased off, then you can remove the mask or mouthpiece. One benefit of using Gas and Air is that the baby remains relatively unaffected by it so will be alert after birth.
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